Oregon’s Anya Anaya claims final qualifying spot for state XC meet; Byron sending team to state

It was the narrowest of margins for Anya Anaya of Oregon in qualifying for the IHSA state cross-country meet. Running on her home course of Park West, Anaya claimed the 10th and final state qualifying spot with a time of 20:04 and 18th overall.“It was amazing to run with so many amazing athletes,” Anaya said. “It was so competitive and hard. I’m grateful to my teammates and coaches.” The Hawks had hopes for advancing as a state, but were hampered by No. 2 runner Madeline Rogers, who was out with a possible stress fracture. “It started to bother me at conference,” said Rogers, who was in a boot. Oregon was 12th with 312 points. Close behind was Erie-Prophetstown with 317. “We did some things we haven’t done in many years – placing at Amboy and the regional,” Oregon coach Ranae Taylor said. “I’m hopeful that eventually we’ll get a team downstate. We’ve got another Anaya (junior high all-stater Kollins) coming. That’s a dynamic duo.” The area did have one team qualify in Byron. The Tigers